He may have been only ten years old, but Dylan Crittenden '09 already appreciated fine art. His introduction to the opera left an indelible mark on his life, and to this day, he remembers feeling a sensory overload when he first saw the fusion of classical music and drama. His numerous trips to operas in childhood and adolescence added to his passion. Upon arrival at The Gunnery, he immediately asked the administration if the school had an opera program. Fortunately for him and for us, they answered yes.

The opera series was started in the mid 1990s to give students an appreciation of an art form that fused instrumentals, vocals and, elaborate staging. "We thought this would give students a profound experience," said Dean of Students, Nick Carter, an avid supporter of the opera program. "We buy yearly subscriptions to Carnegie Hall and the Metropolitan in Lincoln Center. This gives the kids a chance to dress up and learn how to accept art in a formal setting." Over the years, Gunnery students have been privileged to meet several opera giants including Luciano Pavarotti and Placido Domingo.

The Gunnery Opera Series caters to the newcomer with works such as Tosca, La Boheme and Carmen chosen for their popularity and accessibility to an uninitiated audience. Recordings and plot summaries are distributed before a performance, and discussions follow afterwards. "Students who participate in this series," said Dylan, "are genuinely interested. Overall, it's a great night out." The passion for opera is carried from student to faculty and back again. "The way in which ideas are communicated by operatic composers engages me in a way that few things can," said English faculty member Bill Chase. "It is a real gift for a kid to be exposed to this before going to college," he continued. "This can help them find their bearings and philosophies. By opening themselves to this experience, they will be more likely to expose themselves to other experiences."

Gunnery students stay involved with the series even after they graduate. Recent Trinity College graduate (and Gunnery alum) Danny Feltsman '01 met Nick Carter and the students for a production in New York. "Nick took me while I was at The Gunnery," said Danny. "It really sparked my interest, and I am very happy to see that the kids are still being exposed to opera."

Even the possibility of trespassing on a dig site causes the hair on the back of Poppy Baldwin's '80 neck to stand up. Employed at John Milner Associates (JMA) in New Bedford, MA, this Project Archaeologist along with other archaeologists, architects, and historians, dedicates herself to historic preservation and cultural resource management. [continued]

By Anna Kjellson

On February 25th , 2006, two former Gunnery rowers, Elizabeth Peters '02 and Patrick Ruby '03, competed in the annual CRASH-B World Indoor Rowing Championship, held in the Agganis Arena at Boston University. These 2000-meter races are completed on rowing machines as part of a demanding winter season and draw ... [continued]

Gerrit Vreeland '61, Managing Director of Alex Brown Deutsche Bank, has recently been appointed for his second stint with The Gunnery Board of Trustees sitting on the Development Committee and the Educational Policy Committee. A graduate of Lafayette College (BA) and New York University (MA), Gerrit served on The Gunnery's board in the 1980s. He has been employed with Alex Brown Deutsche Bank since 1978 and moved to the Baltimore office in 1983. He has served on the Boards of Walnut Hill School, Hurricane Island Outward Bound, St. Thomas' Episcopal Church, and National Golf Links of America. He currently resides in Owings Mills, MD with his wife Antoinette and is the father of three sons: Corbin, Taylor, and Walker.

To coincide with the Winter Olympics in Torino, Italy, the freshman class staged their own Olympic ceremonies (on a slightly smaller scale) during the annual freshman trip to Lake Placid, NY. The students competed in winter athletics activities such as ... [continued]

In 1935 a "ham" radio station was inaugurated in Bartlett dorm. An international radio station WA1EXO with a 40 foot tower for transmission next to Brinsmade was established by the Amateur Radio Club headed by Robert Clarke '67 and Greg Finch '69 in April 1966. Station WRAG had begun broadcasting rock and roll music in December 1965 under the aegis of Bob Stolk '68, Tom Cross '67, Roy Simpson '68 and Terry Rabinowitz.

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When did the
first radio station
begin at The Gunnery? » Answer.

Beginning in the seventh grade professional football player-turned NFL Scout Sean Stellato '97 would watch a video-taped game of his idol Doug Flutie before every game in which he played. Standing 5'9", Sean had been told repeatedly by coaches and fellow players that he was too small for football. Watching Flutie was an inspiration and a reminder to Sean that, with hard work, dedication and passion, anything is possible. Years of intensive training combined with natural talent rewarded Sean with a successful athletic career culminating in a spot on a professional Arena 2 Football League. In the summer of July 2004, he became a certified player agent for the National Football League.

An all-New England winner in football and basketball, Sean was serving as lead receiver on Marist's football team when the Florida Firecats recruited him for the Arena 2 Football League. He later played with the Carolina Rhinos and the Louisville Fire in the same league. While playing with the latter, Sean continued his intense training sessions. "For forty hours a week, seven months straight," said Sean, "I would do a thousand sit-ups, jump rope, run track, weight train, and perform speed drills and heavy squats." [continued]

To all alumni, parents,
and friends in the
tri-state area: The New
York Alumni Association
is pleased to invite you
for an evening on Broadway.
» Get more information.